Mumbai: The Bombay High Court has rejected the anticipatory bail plea of Dr. Ravindra Deokar, a senior doctor at Mumbai’s KEM Hospital, who has been accused of molesting six junior women doctors over an extended period.
Court Cites Victims’ Trauma and Workplace Safety
While refusing bail, Justice Rajesh Patil emphasized the “emotional and psychological trauma” suffered by the complainants and the critical need to protect women in professional environments.
“The safety of women in a workplace like a hospital, and the moral and legal duty to protect their dignity, must take precedence,” the court observed.
Accused Held Influential Role, Allegedly Misused Position
Deokar, an additional professor in the forensic medicine department, is accused of inappropriate physical conduct and making lewd comments. The complainants, working as assistant professors, reportedly hesitated to file complaints earlier due to fear of career backlash and emotional distress.
The court further noted the power imbalance, stating Deokar had allegedly used his influential position over time, and warned that granting bail might allow him to retaliate or repeat his actions.
Accused Was Member of Hospital’s POSH Committee
In a significant revelation, the court highlighted that Deokar was a member of KEM Hospital’s internal committee under the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act, calling the charges against him particularly serious.
“This is not an isolated incident. There was a similar complaint in 2021 by another woman doctor,” the bench stated.
Doctor Suspended, But Not Terminated
The case is being investigated by Bhoiwada police station. Deokar, who has been suspended but not terminated, argued that the allegations stemmed from personal vendettas and hospital politics.
However, the court cautioned that if Deokar succeeds in challenging his suspension, he may return to the same workplace, potentially endangering the complainants again.
